Contact: andre.schirotzek@aei.mpg.deLocation: Potsdam
The “Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity” division at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute, AEI) in Potsdam announces the opening of a group leader position either at tenure-track (5 years) or tenure (permanent) level depending on candidate’s qualifications and seniority. We are seeking highly qualified scientists with excellent research track record, committed to a career in research. The successful candidate is expected to play a key role in the discoveries and interpretations enabled by gravitational-wave detections, and be a leader in crafting the future of gravitational-wave science, whether performed on the ground or in space. She/he will lead a group of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, and will take advantage of interactions and collaborations with other members of the division.
The “Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity” division, led by Dr. Alessandra Buonanno, is currently composed of 21 scientists, and one Max Planck research group leader, Dr. Harald Pfeiffer. The division also hosts several long and short-term visitors.
The “Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity” division focuses on several aspects of gravitational-wave physics and astrophysics, including (i) theoretical gravitational dynamics and radiation (effective field theory, post-Newtonian theory, gravitational self-force approach, perturbation theory and effective-one-body formalism), (ii) numerical relativity, most notably simulations of binary black holes and binary neutron stars, (iii) interpretation and analysis of data from gravitational-wave detectors on the ground (LIGO and Virgo) and in space (LISA), (iv) astrophysics of compact objects, (v) cosmography with gravitational waves from binary systems, and (vi) tests of strong gravity within General Relativity and alternative gravity theories. Members of the division have the opportunity to join the LIGO Scientific Collaboration through the group’s membership, the LISA Consortium, and also participate in building the science case for
third generation ground-based detectors (Einstein Telescope and Cosmic Explorer).
The “Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity” division has two high-performance computer clusters (Minerva and Vulcan) to run numerical-relativity simulations, and to carry out source modelling and data-analysis studies.
The “Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity” division has ties with the Physics Department at the University of Maryland, the Humboldt University in Berlin, and the University of Potsdam.
For more information, a list of required documentation, and submission please go to: http://www.aei.mpg.de/en/gwgroupleaderpotsdam
Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for full consideration is December 15th, 2017. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.